Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility or Not for profit/ Pro Bono Programmes

Summary of work

2015 was an important milestone in the UK’s history as a ‘science superpower’. While the government renewed its commitment to protect funding, an alarming report from the ABPI identified an emerging skills gap that threatens our ability to meet the needs of patients. Put simply, not enough school-leavers are getting into science and the pharmaceutical industry is failing to convince them we offer diverse, exciting and meaningful career opportunities. We believe that today’s students are tomorrow’s scientists and Nobel Prize winners - yet without action, Roche and the industry will struggle to recruit. We have a role to play in future-proofing our workforce - by inspiring students with science-– enabling them to advance medicine and improve people’s health.

With new heights of collaboration throughout Roche and beyond, the GeneratioNext event granted unprecedented access to Roche. By framing our social purpose, we ignited students’ passion for science and pharmaceutical industry careers. Supported by independent science heavyweights including Professor Lord Winston and Vivienne Parry OBE, the immersive day offered the invaluable experience of seeing real-world science and its application in transforming the future of healthcare. The number of students rating their perception of the pharmaceutical industry as positive increased 29%.

Judges' comments

A strong and innovative CSR campaign with clear objectives and great tactics that reached into the community and the wider environment. We saw the engagement of employees and how they are proud of what they do and also how well it resonated in the school environment, bringing about change. Work like this truly does enhance the industry’s reputation.